NERVE-FIBERS - MAST-CELLS CORRELATION IN THE RAT PARIETAL PLEURA

Our results show that a morphological correlation exists between catec holaminergic nerve fibers and mast cells in the rat parietal pleura. M ast cells are found in proximity to catecholaminergic nerve fibers. Mo reover we have demonstrated that mast cells and nerve fibers in the pe rivascular areas of rat parietal pleura show the same formaldehyde flu orescence. In rats previously sympathectomized with neurotoxin 6-OHDA the nerve fibers appear disarranged and poorly fluorescent and related mast cells show a low fluorescence. The importance of this correlatio n and the possible role of mast cells are discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.